Due to current unemployment rates, finding a job has become difficult. A popular way of beginning a new career path is to find a field in which you can take classes online, and learn at your own pace. Becoming a CNA is one of the job opportunities that fulfills these requirements.
You might not know exactly what CNA stands for – it is an acronym for Certified Nursing Assistant. There are jobs available for CNAs all over the US. As a CNA, you will be able to work in any city, from small town to large city. If you move, you can bring your certificate with you – the only possible requirement will be that you update it if you go out of state.
Choosing to become a CNA has other advantages as well. This is definitely not a boring nine-to-five job, and it does offer opportunities for advancement. Updating your skills, medical and dental benefits – these are benefits offered to CNAs by their employers that are hard to find.
Becoming a CNA provides a lucrative career and can serve a crucial stepping stone. Two of the ‘career upgrades’ that your CNA will qualify you for include becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or an Registered Nurse (RN).
To begin on your new career, you will have no trouble finding classes to become a CNA. There is usually a fee to the CNA course – but the good news is that this fee is low, and you can complete the coursework in a fairly short period of time. It can also be done online, at home, in your spare time.
The CNA training class consists of approximately 75 hours of trainings. About two-thirds of this training is done in a classroom, the rest is hands-on. Once this training course is completed, the CNA student is required to complete a State Board of Nursing form given by an instructor.
Becoming a CNA involves five steps. The first is that you will undergo a personality assessment. If you are interested in helping people and are willing to sometimes perform repetitive tasks to do so, you are on the right track. It will also be determined if you really have the desire to become a leading member in a healthcare facility. The reason for this is that, as you may well know, support staff forms the core of healthcare facilities. It is up to you to be supportive, friendly, and helpful and pay attention to detail.
As part of your training, you will volunteer at a local hospital. You will be encouraged to volunteer in a variety of departments. Your success at the volunteer work will provide a good indication that you have made a good choice of career path.
Completing the coursework of the CNA Training Program is the fourth step. Some of the topics included here will be understanding patient care standards, legal issues, and both your and the patients’ rights and responsibilities. Practical experience with basic medical equipment and daily care procedures is included in this part of the training.
Finally, you will take your state Exam for CNA certification, and the sky will be the limit!
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